Admissions

Both associate degree and diploma nurses are eligible for admission to the program. Applicants are considered for admission when they meet general college admission requirements and have:

1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) with no grade below a "C" (2.00). Diploma graduates who do not have college credit for Associate degree cognate courses must complete each required course with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00) and earn a cumulative cognate GPA of 2.50 before being considered for admission to the Baccalaureate Degree Program.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges/nursing programs.
3. A current license to practice as a registered nurse in their state of residence or practice. If the student is a new or international graduate, the applicant must be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
   (All applicants must submit 3 recommendations from an employer/supervisor).
4. Three satisfactory recommendations submitted on FHCHS recommendation forms. Recommendations submitted at the time of initial application to the College will meet this requirement for current FHCHS students.¹ All applicants must submit a recommendation from an employer/supervisor if employed within the last five years. Applicants who graduated within the last five years must submit a recommendation from their basic nursing program faculty.²

It is recommended that applicants who lack recent work experience in nursing (five years or more) take an RN refresher course prior to enrolling in clinical nursing courses.

Credit for Prior Course Work

General Education and Cognate Courses
Once enrolled in the Baccalaureate degree program, students must seek prior approval from the Department Chair and the Senior Vice President for Academic Administration (see Transfer of Credit Policy) to take any general education or cognate course off campus. Failure to have prior approval may result in earned credit not being accepted for transfer to FHCHS.

Associate Degree Graduates
Graduates of regionally accredited Associate degree programs will be considered to have met the Associate degree general education and cognate requirements. If a general computer course, ENGL 101 or 102 (or equivalent) were not included in the Associate degree, they must be completed as part of the Baccalaureate degree. Students who complete the entire online program will receive credit by validation for the program computer course.

Diploma Graduates
Prior to consideration for admission to the Baccalaureate Degree Program, graduates of diploma programs who do not have college credit for Associate degree cognate courses must complete each required cognate course with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00) and earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

General education and cognate courses will be accepted according to the Transfer of Credit Policy. Additional cognate credit may also be earned according to the College Credit by Examination Policy.

Nursing Courses
Graduates of regionally accredited Associate degree programs may have a maximum of 28 semester hours of nursing credit transferred as Associate degree credit and applied toward the Baccalaureate degree.

¹ Recommendation forms expire after three years of receipt by the Admissions Office.
² Further references or information regarding character, attitude, or coping ability may be required.

Policies

By accepting enrollment as a nursing student, each applicant agrees to abide by the regulations as outlined. All students must present:

1. Yearly verification of tuberculosis screen. If the test is positive, refer to the Communicable Disease Policy in the Student Handbook for additional information.
2. Updated immunization records including hepatitis B.
3. Verification of varicella vaccination or show immunity (titer).
4. Evidence of a physical examination within 3 months prior to starting a professional program.
5. Verification of current certification in professional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Mental and Physical Requirements for Applicants
Applicants seeking admission to the nursing program must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to:

1. Visually observe and assess a patient, discriminate color and depth, read and accurately complete reports, and visualize diagnostic/monitoring equipment in dimmed light.
2. Auditorily monitor and assess patient health needs, monitor various equipment and background sounds, and communicate by telephone.
3. Verbally communicate in a clear and concise manner.
4. Communicate sufficiently to interact with others in appropriate professional verbal and written forms.
5. Read and interpret relevant medical data from patients’ charts, reports, and orders.
6. Safely lift and transfer patients to accomplish bed/chair/stretcher transfer with assistance or assistive devices.
7. Safely push a gurney or wheelchair.
8. Stand or sit for an extended period of time.
9. Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity necessary to perform activities specific to each professional program.
10. Possess critical thinking skills sufficient to think clearly and act professionally, safely, and accurately in stressful situations.
11. Professionally interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

If you require accommodation, contact the FHCHS Office of Disability Services at (407) 303-6576.

Application

To apply for admission to the Bachelor's completion program for registered nurses, complete the following steps.

1. Complete, sign and submit an application form.
2. Submit your application package including the following:
   • Application Fee of $20.00
   • Copy of your current RN licensure (can be faxed)
   • 3 Recommendations on College form(s) (can be faxed)
   • Official Transcript(s): Request transcripts for each institution you have attended.
3. Send Application Package to:
   1. Fax to: 407-395-0017
      Attn: RN-BSN Completion Off-site Admissions Office
   2. OR Mail to:
      Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
      c/o RN-BSN Completion Off-site Admissions Office
      P.O. Box 691629 Orlando, FL 32869-1629

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences will notify you of your status.

Tuition and Fees

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences offers a quality education at a price well below the costs of most private institutions.

*Tuition per credit hour:	$255
Application Fee:	$20
Matriculation Fee:	$135 per trimester
Textbooks:	From $200-$400 per trimester

*Tuition rates are based on the 2007-2008 Tuition Schedule. Amounts of tuition and fees are determined annually and are subject to change.

Financial Aid

State and Federal Aid 2007 - 2008

Our financial aid counselors help students secure the maximum amount of financial assistance available, including state and federal grants and loans. Our goal is to ensure that all students with the drive and determination to complete our professional programs have the opportunity to do so.

As a Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences student, you may be eligible for state and/or federal student aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and educational loans. There is no cost to apply for financial assistance, and you may qualify for a student loan regardless of your income.

In general for eligibility, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be accepted as a degree-seeking student, or
• Be making satisfactory academic progress
• Be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident alien
• Enroll at least half time (6 credits)
• Not be in default on prior student loans
• Not owe a repayment or overpayment of a federal grant
• Be registered for Selective Service
• Have a high school diploma or GED certificate

An Enrollment Advisor is assigned to assist you with financial aid options and guide you through all the forms and procedures required. To have your Enrollment Advisor contact you, click on Request Info (on the left of any page) and complete the Contact Info form.

To read more Financial Aid information you can click here and then go to the Financial Info link at the top of the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences Web page. You can download forms from the Financial Aid Downloads drop down list under the Apply Now heading in the middle of the home page at www.fhchs.edu.

Useful Web sites

FAFSA on the Web www.fafsa.ed.gov
Help in completing the FAFSA www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/FAFSA
The Student Guide www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide
The Smart Student Guide www.fafsa.org

Graduation Requirements

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences will consider students for graduation and conferral of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing when they have met the general requirements for graduation and when they:

1. Complete a minimum of 127 semester hours of credit.¹
2. Complete the prescribed course of study for the degree with a minimum nursing GPA of 2.50 and a minimum cognate GPA of 2.50.
3. Achieve a minimum grade of "C" (2.00) in each nursing and cognate course.
4. Complete the degree requirements within five years.
5. Complete the minimum number of credit hours at FHCHS as listed in the General Degree Requirement. For students entering the Baccalaureate program, 36 hours must be completed at FHCHS.
6. Complete 30 hours of community service and/or service learning. Community service projects and hours must be approved and validated by the College Chaplain, Stan Dobias (407-303-9474/stan_dobias@fhchs.edu). Service learning is part of the curriculum, in selected courses and is validated by the teachers of those courses and by the department in which those courses are taught.

¹This includes a maximum of 72 Associate degree nursing and general education credits.